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Construction Site?

HI,
My company is being subcontracted by a contractor and I will need to be on a construction site for 8-12 hours plus drive time 3 ½ hours each way. The problem is it’s kind of in the middle of nowhere, but it's also a big plant (nowhere to go, but also nowhere to hide). Our contractor has not started construction yet so there is no office trailer on site. I tried to pump in the car the last time I was out, but the parking lot is in a congested area (ok I’m exaggerating there were a few people driving/walking by) and I could not get my milk to let down. Also, you have to have an escort to go anywhere. So my boss, our contractor, and the “owner’s escort” were literally hanging around waiting for me. I will probably need to go out there 1 or 2 times a month for the next several months with the next time being Thursday. I don’t want to make a big deal to my boss about it, because he already traded this job to me, for one that is out of state and would require overnight travel. Any tips would be great.
Thanks

Re: Construction Site?

I think your car is your best bet, probably. Can you drive to a quieter area to pump? Do you have a nice generous nursing cover to cover up with, so that you don't feel as self-conscious? Having your boss waiting a few cars away is bound to inhibit your milk flow - can you just drive a quarter mile down the road and pump somewhere a bit more isolated?

You can call me JoMo!

Mom to baby boy Joe, born 5/4/09 and breastfed for more than two and a half years, and baby girl Maggie, born 7/9/12.

Re: Construction Site?

Sounds like a tough place to pump! I think I'd try the car again, but make some adjustments to make it more private. Like those suction-cup pull-down shades for the side windows and one of those foil screams for the windshield (the ones that keep the car cool). That might make your space feel more private and relaxing. A lightweight poncho might also help.

Re: Construction Site?

How old is your baby? Eating any solids yet?

Are you driving alone? You could maybe pump while driving. If you do it right before you arrive and then right as you leave that would leave you only needing to pump once while there (maybe twice). When you did it last time did you put up anything in the windows to shield yourself? You can hang baby blankets up in the windows and put one of those sun visor things in the windshield to give you some privacy. And of course dress so that you're prepared to pump or bring something to throw over yourself if you need that.

If you can't pump in the site, it seems like the only option is the car. Those are just a few things I can think of that might make it easier to adjust to having to pump in the car.

“We are not put on earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.”
--Anonymous

Re: Construction Site?

When I had to pump in my car, I'd set up those window shades like MommaL suggested. I also had a hands-free kit to help me relax. I also used to play on my phone, read a book and turn on the music/AC to get me to relax.

Can you tell your boss you'll drive to xyz place and then text the boss when you are ready to be escorted back? Maybe that would give you some "breathing room."

Christine
Baby Girl Born 2/17/10 to her two mommies
BF from day one. I looked up one day and realized I'm nursing a toddler!

Re: Construction Site?

Thanks everyone!
I can’t pump on the drive (I’ll be driving down with a co-worker), and moving the car out of the way isn’t really an option because of security reasons, but I can’t believe I had not thought of trying to make the car more private. Picture me hunched down in the back of a car trying to pump with several men just standing around waiting for me to finish. I will be bringing something to cover the windows this next time. Sometimes the simplest solution is so hard for me to think of.

Re: Construction Site?

OMG, the shades idea is brilliant! I can't believe I pumped in my car for a year and didn't think of that! I always just tried to find the remotest place in the parking lot. See, this is why this forum is awesome!

You can call me JoMo!

Mom to baby boy Joe, born 5/4/09 and breastfed for more than two and a half years, and baby girl Maggie, born 7/9/12.